CLEVELAND, Ohio - They call them classics for a reason. Longevity, quality, reputation - those traits go a long way, and they are what it takes for a restaurant to land on this list. And the best thing is, it's not all high-end fine dining. Our classics range from casual and comfortable to all sorts of destination places. Here is this year's 20 Cleveland Classics.

Opened more than two decades ago by Aldo Zappa and family, the cozy Brooklyn spot is one of the most authentic Italian restaurants in town. Zappa, a native of Roccaraso in Italy's mountainous Abruzzo region, features a diverse menu that ranges from his native region to classic southern Italian fare, pizzas and their specialty, seafood. (Laura DeMarco, The Plain Dealer)

2644 West 41st St. (one-way north between I-90 and Clark Avenue), Cleveland, 216-961-7087, brunosristorante.net, $$, all major credit cards. Cuisine: Italian-American.

Bruno DiSiena left the Cleveland Browns as executive chef when it looked like they were leaving town. Our advantage. This is Cleveland's red-sauce capital, especially with pasta and eggplant. The room is charming in a homestyle way, but tiny. Expect eavesdropping to be part of the deal. Reservations a must near the weekend. (Debbi Snook, The Plain Dealer)